To build an "ethical organization", we must first establish and clearly articulate a firm fundamental definition of what we see as "right" and what we see as "wrong". This is the "morals" part of the equation.
Once this basic definition of right and wrong is articulated, we must look at and define what specific behaviors are "good" and what behaviors are "bad" in the day-to-day workplace. This means that we must not only provide a formal set of behavior guidelines, but it also means that as owners, executives and managers, we must set the example ("model the behavior") by living up to those same standards of behavior ourselves. This is the "ethics" part of the equation.
Whether you're starting from scratch building a new organization or re-building a shattered one (a la Enron, Worldcom, Countrywide, etc.), these two steps must be done.
Here, I must remind those who want to keep religion out of the workplace that virtually every one of the various major religions in the world have already both articulated a set of basic moral principles and developed (more or less) effective codes of ethics.
This is not to say that I believe that conversion to any religion should become a condition of employment. I don' think forced/coerced conversions are ever a good idea.
I do believe, however, that there are certain fundamental principles of "right and wrong" that have been common to virtually every successful human civilization and organization throughout history. I also believe that the major religions have spent a lot of time and energy working to articulate those principles and ideals and that they have developed some useful guidelines for living those principles.
This is not to say that I believe that conversion to any religion should become a condition of employment. I don' think forced/coerced conversions are ever a good idea.
I do believe, however, that there are certain fundamental principles of "right and wrong" that have been common to virtually every successful human civilization and organization throughout history. I also believe that the major religions have spent a lot of time and energy working to articulate those principles and ideals and that they have developed some useful guidelines for living those principles.
And in keeping with my fundamental aversion to "reinventing the wheel", I think that if you're trying to build a moral, ethical company and corporate culture, they are a convenient place to find well thought out, structured, "ready-made" guides to leading an "ethical life".
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If you need help building your ethical organization, let me help. Either leave a comment here or e-mail me at: TomFawls@Council4SmallBiz.com.
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